Root is a usage-based car insurance company, not a budget carrier or a full-service insurer

Root charges your premium based on how you actually drive — acceleration, braking, phone use, time of day — tracked through an app on your phone. This means your rate depends on your habits, not just your age, location, and driving record. If you drive smoothly and predictably, Root can be cheaper than traditional insurers. If you drive aggressively or at high-risk times, your rate will reflect that.

Root does not offer the full menu of coverage options that larger insurers do. You get liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage. You do not get roadside assistance, accident forgiveness, or discounts for bundling home and auto policies. Root also does not write policies in all states — availability varies by location.

Whether Root is "good" depends on what you need and how you drive. It is a solid choice for careful drivers in supported states who want a straightforward policy and lower premiums. It is a poor fit if you want bundled coverage, live in an unsupported state, or drive during unpredictable hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Root's rates are based on your actual driving behavior tracked through a smartphone app, so safe drivers often pay less than they would with traditional insurers.
  • Root does not offer bundled home and auto policies, accident forgiveness, or roadside assistance, so you may need to buy those elsewhere.
  • Root is not available in every state, and you should check your location before spending time on an application.
  • The app tracks acceleration, braking, phone use, and driving times, so your rate can increase if your habits change or you drive during high-risk hours.
  • Root works best for drivers with predictable schedules and smooth driving habits who prioritize low premiums over coverage options.

How Root's driving tracking actually works

Root's app runs in the background on your phone and monitors how hard you accelerate, how quickly you brake, whether you use your phone while driving, and what time of day you drive. The app does not track location or speed directly — it measures the force and pattern of your movements. Over time, Root builds a profile of your driving style and adjusts your rate accordingly.

You can see your driving score in the app, which shows you which behaviors are costing you money. If you brake hard frequently, accelerate aggressively, or drive late at night, your score drops and your premium goes up. If you drive smoothly and during daylight hours, your score improves and your rate can fall. Some drivers see rate reductions of 30 percent or more after a few months of good driving data.

The app must run continuously to collect data, which means your phone needs to stay charged and connected. If you do not drive enough to generate meaningful data, Root may not lower your rate much. New customers typically have a waiting period of a few weeks before their first rate adjustment.

Root's coverage options and what is missing

Root offers the standard liability coverage (bodily injury and property damage), collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist protection. You can adjust your deductibles and coverage limits the way you would with any insurer. Root's rates for these coverages are competitive, especially for drivers under 30 or those with minor violations.

Root does not offer accident forgiveness, which means your rate will increase if you cause an accident, even if it is your first one. Most large insurers waive the first accident. Root also does not offer roadside assistance, new car replacement coverage, or rental car reimbursement as standard add-ons. You would need to buy roadside coverage separately from another provider if you want it.

Root does not bundle home and auto policies, so you cannot get a multi-policy discount. If you own a home and want to insure both your house and car with one company, Root is not the right choice. You would need to keep your homeowners policy elsewhere and accept that you are paying two separate premiums.

States where Root operates and where it does not

Root is available in most states but not all. As of now, Root does not write policies in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, or several others. Availability changes over time as Root expands or pulls back from certain markets, so you should check Root's website to confirm your state is supported before you start the application process.

Even in states where Root operates, it may not insure drivers with certain violations or accident histories. Root tends to be selective about high-risk drivers, so a serious violation or multiple accidents may disqualify you. If you have a clean record, you are more likely to be approved.

When Root's pricing is actually cheaper

Root tends to be cheapest for drivers aged 16 to 30 with clean driving records who drive predictable routes during normal hours. Young drivers often pay high premiums with traditional insurers, so the usage-based model can save them money. Drivers who commute the same route every day and do not drive late at night also see significant savings.

Root is more expensive for drivers who work night shifts, drive frequently after 11 p.m., or have unpredictable schedules. The app penalizes late-night driving, so if your job requires it, your rate will not drop much. Drivers with a history of accidents or violations may also find Root's rates higher than competitors because the app tracks risky behaviors closely.

To know whether Root is cheaper for you, get a quote and compare it to quotes from at least two other insurers. Root's initial quote is based on your driving record, not your actual driving, so the real savings come after a few weeks of data collection. If you are not comfortable with the app tracking your driving, the savings may not be worth the trade-off.

Privacy and data concerns with the tracking app

Root's app collects detailed information about how you drive and when you drive. The company says it does not sell this data to third parties and does not use it for purposes other than setting your rate. However, the app does require permission to run in the background and access your phone's motion sensors, which some drivers find intrusive.

If you are uncomfortable with continuous tracking, Root is not a good fit. You can delete the app at any time, but your rate will revert to the initial quote based on your driving record alone. Some drivers use Root for a few months to get a lower rate, then switch to a traditional insurer once they have a better rate history — this is a legitimate strategy, though it requires reapplying elsewhere.

Root versus traditional insurers: the real trade-offs

Root offers lower premiums for safe drivers but fewer coverage options and no bundling. Traditional insurers like State Farm, Geico, or Progressive offer more add-ons, accident forgiveness, and multi-policy discounts, but their base rates are often higher for young or risky drivers. The choice depends on what matters more to you: the lowest possible premium or the most coverage options.

If you drive safely and want to save money, Root is worth trying. If you want bundled coverage, accident forgiveness, or roadside assistance as standard, a traditional insurer is a better choice. If you are unsure, get quotes from both and compare the total cost over a year, including any add-ons you would need to buy separately with Root.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Root's app drain my phone battery?

The app runs in the background and uses some battery, but most users report it is not a major drain. If your phone is already struggling with battery life, the app may make it worse. You can check your phone's battery settings to see how much power Root is using.

Can I pause or delete the Root app if I do not want to be tracked?

Yes. You can delete the app at any time, but your rate will go back to the initial quote based on your driving record. If you delete it and reinstall it later, you will have to start the data collection process over. Some people use Root temporarily to get a lower rate, then switch to another insurer.

What happens if I drive someone else's car?

Root's policy covers you when you drive other cars, but the app will still track your driving in that vehicle. If you frequently borrow cars or rent vehicles, the app will record that driving and factor it into your rate. This can work for or against you depending on how you drive in borrowed cars.

Does Root offer discounts for safety features or defensive driving courses?

Root does not offer traditional discounts, but the app itself is a form of discount — safe driving lowers your rate automatically. You do not need to take a defensive driving course or install a specific safety device. Your actual driving behavior is what determines your premium.

What if I have an accident — does my rate go up immediately?

Root will increase your rate after an accident, but the timing depends on when the accident is reported to Root. If you report it yourself through the app, the rate change can happen within days. If Root learns about it through your insurance claim, it may take longer. Unlike some insurers, Root does not offer accident forgiveness.